The Blue Blaze

Right before Thanksgiving, more than 200 professionals gathered in Miami, Florida for the annual conference sponsored by the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners. ACP is a national, not-for-profit, membership organization and a pioneering community of fee-only financial planners who are committed to providing service to clients in a true, fiduciary model.

Was it a rip-roaring fun time filled with soaring, thought-provoking speeches and deep conversation about transformation and inspired risk-taking?

Many studies have shown that charitable giving provides greater happiness than buying more stuff. Eventually, you get used to your fancy new car, and the enjoyment it provides may fade -- though if you’re spending with purpose, it shouldn’t.

Even if that big purchase thrill does fade, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence and actual scientific studies to assure us that giving forges feelings of connectedness and community that don’t fade away.

These are typical questions that people often ask themselves over time when they start thinking about financial planning. And that’s only natural. We expect our money to help us feel safe, provide a safety net for key life transitions -- especially as we grow older -- and start thinking about retirement.

Unfortunately, if you view your savings and investments only as numbers on a page that you’re trying to nudge upwards, then there’s no such thing as “enough.”

Frank Corrado, a Blue Blaze financial life guide, encourages a client to do a deep dive into her goals and motivations.

We're talking about my money, Right?

(No. Not first thing, anyway.)

Remember the first time an adult you respected told you, “If you’re having a difficult time deciding what is the right thing to do -- just listen to your gut. Deep down, if it’s right, you’ll feel it.”

That’s exactly how I felt the first time I was introduced to the concept of appreciative inquiry.